Katarina Line, Croatia’s premier small ship cruise company and DMC, announced that it now features three new cruise routes for 2018 in response to the growing popularity of Croatia among North American travelers. The routes, which highlight some of Croatia’s most popular port towns and attractions, include the 7-night “Adriatic Explorer” Opatija-Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik-Opatija one-way cruises that hug the country’s stunning western coastline. They also include a 7-night roundtrip cruise from Opatija called “Best Kept Secret Kvarner,” a references to the picturesque bay in the Northern Adriatic that is often called “Croatia’s best kept secret” because of its natural beauty.
Katarina Line is accepting bookings for 2018 and offering last-minute specials on remaining cruises for 2017, based on availability.
“We continue to steadily increase our promotional and marketing efforts in the U.S. and Canada as more and more travelers discover the beauty, history and unique charm of Croatia,” said Daniel Hauptfeld, marketing director for Katarina Line. “Through our participation in many North American trade shows, we look forward to strengthening our partnerships with travel agents, training them in selling our cruises and inland tours, and incentivizing them through our generous commission structure.”
One-Way Cruises
Departing in the north from Opatija or the south from Dubrovnik, Katarina Line’s “Adriatic Explorer” cruise, along Croatia’s western coastline, “drops anchor” for swimming in the secluded coves and dazzling beaches of the picturesque port towns along the way. In addition to Opatija and Dubrovnik, the cruise visits the islands of Rab, Zadar, and Korčula, Krka National Park, and the towns of Šibenik, Split, and Metković.
Unique highlights include a cruise up the Krka River, which treats guests to views of its many spectacular waterfalls. Guests also enjoy wine tasting and a tapas lunch at the famous Bibich Winery, near the port city of Šibenik. Other highlights include a visit to the Zadar Sea Organs, a 230-foot long architectural marvel whose 35 underground organ pipes produce “mesmerizing” melodies powered by ocean waves. A second “river cruise” on the Neretva River takes guests to the town of Metkovic, where they enjoy a barge excursion and visit the Narona Archaeological Museum in Metković, famous for its Roman ruins dating back to the 4th century BC. Additional culinary experiences include maraschino liquor tasting in Zadar and Rab cake tasting in Rab.
Prices for the 7-night Deluxe one-way cruise start at $1,771 per person, based on double occupancy, and include daily buffet breakfast, 10 meals as specified in the itinerary, a captain’s dinner and live entertainment.
Best Kept Secret
Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic Sea, between the Istrian peninsula and Croatian mainland, has often been called, “Croatia’s best kept secret.” Hauptfeld noted that most visitors flock to Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar in the Dalmatia region. However, “Kvarner’s many islands, sun-soaked beaches and delightfully secluded coves make this a paradise for swimming,” he said.
Katarina Line’s 7-night “Best Kept Secret Kvarner” cruise, departing from Opatija, visits the islands of Krk. Rab, Kornati, and Cres, and the towns of Zadar and Mali Lošinj. Tour highlights include a visit to Kornati National Park, often called a “nautical paradise” and “one of the most beautiful parks in Croatia.” Additional highlights include numerous guided walking tours, wine tasting in Vrbnik, Rab cake tasting, and a visit to Telascica Nature Park, known for its diverse wildlife and sea creatures.
Prices for this Deluxe Superior cruise start at $1,819, per person, based on double occupancy, and include daily buffet breakfast and 4-course lunch, a captain’s dinner with live music, and admission fees to all attractions in itinerary.
“For ‘Best Kept Secret Kvarner,’ all you’ll need is a few T-shirts and your swimsuit to spend seven unforgettable days cruising on the northern Adriatic Sea from one island to another,” said Hauptfeld. “Relax, soak in the sun and cool blue waters, and let the captain, his attentive crew and our skillful chef take good care of you!”
All prices are based on current exchange rates and are subject to change.
Katarina Line is a leading, award-winning Destination Management Company in Croatia and Croatia’s premier small ship cruise company with weekly guaranteed departures from the end of April to mid-October. It operates out of the major tourist centers of Opatija, Split and Dubrovnik. With a growing fleet of more than 50 ships in four different categories (increasing to six in 2018), the company serves more than 100,000 clients that include 26,000 cruise guests of all ages and budgets. Katarina Line itineraries give travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning natural environment and picturesque Mediterranean towns of Croatia while hopping from one island to another, offering guests unique opportunity to experience the true Croatia. The company enjoys an exceptional relationship with travel agents, which account for more than 90% of all bookings worldwide. Katarina line is a member of many different travel associations, including USTOA, ASTA, NTA, ACTA, RDA, STAN and ETOA. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-485-3121 or visit www.katarina-line.com.
